LECOM NEWS

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A team from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy recently took home top honors at the 5th Annual Pennsylvania Student Pharmacists Self-Care Championship sponsored by the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA). All seven pharmacy schools in Pennsylvania competed at the PPA’s Mid Year Conference on February 4th in Harrisburg, Pa. LECOM’s winning team was made up of second-year pharmacy students Kim Thuc Pham, Kevin Long and Riley Williams.

Winning the competition was a major accomplishment for the LECOM students. It was the first time LECOM has ever won the Self-Care Championship. The students had to showcase their knowledge of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and home remedies to win the competition. The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy had won the event for the past two years. LECOM is now the reigning champ.

During the fast-paced “Jeopardy”-style competition, points were awarded for correct answers and deducted for incorrect responses. The trio from LECOM was trailing until the final round of competition. Pham, Long and Williams brought home a trophy and each received a $50 prize for their efforts.

“The design of this competition, requiring quick recall of product information, demonstrates the dedication of these students to master OTC product information,” commented Mary Ray, Pharm.D., LECOM’s Director of Experiential Education and Assistant Professor of Pharmacy. “This is particularly impressive given the fact that it has been nearly a year since they have had coursework specific to OTC products." Dr. Ray said a solid knowledge of OTCs will allow students to properly advise patients during their future careers.

LECOM pharmacy students Kevin Long, Riley Williams and Kim Thuc Pham write down their answers during the fast-paced "Jeopardy"-style game competition.